~ Japanese fine art from the ancient city of Kyoto ~

Raku XV “Reki-yu” Tea Bowl

Raku tea bowls and other tea-ware implements are shaped by hand, using clay that was prepared often several generations before by a previous Kichizaemon (master

Tokkuri with Enso by Living National Treasure Kato Kozo (b. 1935)

This depiction of the eternal “ensō” on a backdrop of pearly white feldspar over red clay signifies enlightenment, the eternal, the nothingness, and the freedom

A Large Serving Tray by Ōhi Chōzaemon 11 (Toshio)

This large serving tray by Ōhi Chōzaemon XI (Toshio) brings together the rich glaze tradition of Ōhi ware and a distinctly contemporary sculptural form. Its bro

A Large Celadon Phoenix vase by First Generation Suwa Sozan (1851-1922

A rare and interesting offering, here we have an exquisite celadon phoenix vase with Chinese form and patterning. First generation Sozan gained wide acclaim in

A Large Blue/ Green Oribe Platter by Tamaoki Yasuo (b. 1941)

A stunning example of blue/ green Oribe-ware by one of the veterans of Mino ceramics, this platter displays astounding variation in color and texture with deep

A Large Karatsu Floral Vase by Nakazato Tarōemon the 14th

In Japan, famous for its generational potting families, only a handful have made it all the way through to the 14th generation—the Nakazato line being one of th

An Iga “Torigata” Vase by Furutani Michio

In excellent condition, this bird-shaped, or “torigata” vase is a beautiful example of Iga pottery from last century. A master of form, material, and technique,

A Set of Four Sculptural Oribe Dishes by Takauchi Shugo (b. 1937)

Few contemporary potters have explored Oribe with the originality and energy of Takauchi Shugo. His pieces tend to embody an unmistakable sense of movement and

A Joseon Period Bowl with Excellent Kintsugi Gold Repairs

Here we see a beautiful example of Korean blue-grey pottery from centuries past. At some point it was brought to Japan, so we can safely assume that it was expr

A Muromachi Period Ash Glazed Large Bizen Pot - Certified

Price on Request Estimated to be 500-600 years old, this extraordinary work of Bizen pottery would have been fashioned in an “ana-gama” or a rudimentary dugout

A Large Bizen Vase from Mid-Edo with Researcher Certification

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Originally crafted as a tokkuri, or sak

An Edo Period Bizen Vase with Researcher Certification

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natur

A 17th Century e-Karatsu “Mukozuke” Serving Dish

A stylized grass motif painted in ferrous pigment across each side and on the inside of this mukozuke serving dish marks it as being more likely produced in Kar

An Antique Mugiwara Decorative Flower Vase

Japanese Mugiwara pottery emerged in the Mino region of Japan during the Momoyama period in the late 16th century. It is renowned for its distinctive straw-rope

A Modern Oribe Serving Dish by Takauchi Shugo

A harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression, this extraordinary serving dish encapsulates the essence of Oribe pottery

An Ancient Korean Celadon Vase with Gold Repairs

Several years ago we were invited by our very talented kintsugi craftsman to what is known as a “kura-ake” or storehouse opening. Many reading this may be famil

An Oni Shino ko-Tsubo by Tsukigata Nahiko

This small vessel, similar in a shape to a tokkuri, is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Co

A set of Mukozuke Serving Dishes by 3rd Generation Kenzan, 18th C.

One family of artists that has left a lasting mark on not just Kyoto but on the world at large has been the Ōgata family. Prominent among this line - Ōgata Kenz

A Large Oribe Platter by Living National Treasure Suzuki Osamu

Displaying a bold Oribe glaze and sweeping comb pattern culminating in a dynamic vortex, this wonderful platter is the result of years of trial and error by one

A Momoyama Period Bizen Vase with Researcher Certification

During Japan's Momoyama period, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, Bizen pottery flourished, producing exquisite pieces such as this symmetr

A Modern Shino Kataguchi Vessel by Suzuki Shu

A decidedly modern and innovative take on the classic Shino trope, this “kataguchi” or one-sided pouring vessel lends an air of depth, contemplation, and brilli

Living National Treasure — Exhibition Piece — Uozumi Iraku III

First presented at the Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition, this fine mizusashi crafted with extraordinary precision is a testament to the generational knowl

An Edo Period Bizen Tokkuri with Hotei Engraving - Researcher Piece

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this Edo period vase features an engraving of the jolly gift-giver, Hotei. Said to be based on a historical Chinese Zen

A Rare Meiji Period Celadon Shuhai by First Generation Suwa Sozan

A rare and unusual offering, here we have an exquisite celadon shuhai with Chinese styled patterning lining the inside of the cup. First generation Sozan gained

A Meiji Period “Tetsubin” Cast Iron Kettle with Cherry Blossom Motif

During the Meiji period in Japan, the humble iron kettle, known as a "tetsubin," emerged as an iconic symbol of traditional craftsmanship and functional artistr

A Tokkuri with Enso by Tsujimura Yui

With an uncanny ability to emulate features of the natural environment, the creator of this sake vessel,Tsujimura Yui, is one of Japan’s most skilled potters wo

Stylized Sake Flask by Renown Potter Suzuki Goro (b. 1941)

Known for his non-conformist and bold style, Suzuki Goro has outdone himself with this stylized Oribe sake flask (tokkuri). Oribe is a visual style named after

A Meticulously Repaired Momoyama Period Sake Cup

The perfect vessel for enjoying fine Japanese sake or whatever spirit fits the mood. Over 425 years old, this excavated and wonderfully restored sake cup is one

An Antique Karatsu Bowl with Exceptional Makie Kintsugi Repairs

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters heavily influenced

Tokkuri with Enso by Living National Treasure Kato Kozo (b. 1935)

This depiction of the eternal “ensō” on a backdrop of pearly white feldspar over red clay signifies enlightenment, the eternal, the nothingness, and the freedom

An “Imogashira” Mizusashi by Raku IX (Ryônyû) [1756 - 1834]

Raku-ware carries with it a very naturalistic aura; with its implements made of raw clay, its use of fire water and air to shape and harden these implements, an

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A Mizusashi by Tsuboshima Dohei

A truly unique work of Shino pottery developed among the company of some of Japan’s most respected and influential potters of the last century. Defying conventi

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A unique Hagi mizusashi by Zenzo Hatano

An excellent example of Japanese minimalist aesthetic that transcends its humble origins, this mizusashi, or fresh water pot used in tea ceremony, displays a cl

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A Red “Ame” Glazed Mizusashi by 11th Generation Ōhi Chozaemon

When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Sen-So Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the master of tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga

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A Bizen Mizusashi for Tea Ceremony by Veteran Potter Mori Tōgaku

A veteran of Bizen pottery, Mori Tōgaku has been perfecting his style for close to seven decades now with most of his important work having been done in the las

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Tsukigata Nahiko Mizusashi w/ Silk Pouch

This extraordinary mizusashi is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the m

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A Hagi Mizusashi by Tahara Tobei XII (Urasenke Tea Master Item)

Heavily influenced by Koryo potting styles and techniques, the Tobei lineage has been crafting exceptional tea-ware implements for 13 generations. The piece sho

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Fine Studio Porcelain Bowl with Decorative Relief by Suwa Sozan II

A wonderful translucent blue celadon dish decorated with a low-relief floral motif. This piece was made by one of the few great female Japanese potters of the 2

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A Bizen Tea Bowl by Isezaki Koichiro

First born son to Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Koichiro (b. 1974) has quickly made a name for himself as an independent artist. Not content to rely sol

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A Rare Tamamizu Tea Bowl by Famed Raku Potter Ichigen (1662 - 1722)

In the world of Japanese ceramics, Tamamizu-ware has an almost mythical standing. A branch of the main Raku line, at one time the two kilns held equal prominenc

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A Red Raku Tea Bowl w/ Painted Chrysanthemum by Raku Konyu (12)

This iconic tea bowl was crafted by one of the great masters of Japanese pottery and given the poetic name "Dewdrop" by a famous tea master of the Omote-senke s

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A “Rose Oribe” Masterpiece by Suzuki Goro

One of the finest, most daring, and well-crafted works I have seen by this legendary artist who is known for his non-conformist and bold style. Suzuki Goro has

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Edo Period Bizen-yaki Chawan w Signed Sokuchusai Omotesenke Box

Signed by the 13th Iemoto (tea master) of Omotesenke, Sokuchusai (1901-1979) this exceptional tea bowl bears the poetic name Asahi or “Morning Sun.” Brilliant o

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A Beautiful Hakeme Bowl by Ninnami Dohachi (1783 - 1855)

A beautiful example of a Hakeme style bowl, this one quite rare as it was made around 200 years ago by the son of the founder of the Dohachi line of potters. Tr

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A Poem Inscribed Tea Bowl by Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875)

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: 花を待つ人の心や雲となりて山の端ごとに立ちまよふらん The hearts of those waiting for flowers to blossom — have they turned in

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Bizen Tea Bowl by Living National Treasure, Isezaki Jun

The distinctive and easily recognizable style of Bizen pieces, such as the one featured here, originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and has a long history

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A White Shino Masterpiece by Hayashi Shotaro (b. 1947)

A stunning work of Shino-ware by veteran potter Hayashi Shotaro—winner of numerous awards for his bold and innovative style and widely recognized as one of the

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An Asahi-yaki Tea Bowl with Extraordinary Maki-e Gold Repairs

One of the most extraordinary gold repairs I have seen on a tea bowl in my nearly 30 years in Japan. If you search far and wide occasionally you can find maki-e

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An Antique Celadon Tea Container with Pewter Cap

Most likely Chinese in origin, this antique celadon tea caddy is a mesmerizing piece of art that exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted during a time when

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An exceptional Tenmoku tea bowl with Yohen glazing

Occasionally while browsing through the temple markets of Kyoto or perusing backstreets tea-ware shops, an attractive piece will catch my eye for no particular

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